In the heart of Tipp City, Ohio, there’s a barbecue joint that’s about to blow your taste buds away.
Forget everything you thought you knew about smoked meats – Hickory River Smokehouse is rewriting the rulebook, one turkey sandwich at a time!
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to Hickory River Smokehouse, the unassuming barbecue haven that’s been quietly revolutionizing the Midwest’s smoked meat scene.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Another barbecue joint? In Ohio?”
But hold your horses, my friend. This isn’t just any old barbecue spot.
This is the kind of place that makes you question everything you thought you knew about smoked meats.
It’s the kind of joint that has locals whispering in hushed tones about their legendary turkey sandwich.
Yes, you read that right.
A turkey sandwich.
In a barbecue place.
Stay with me here, folks.
As you approach Hickory River Smokehouse, you might be tempted to drive right past it.
The exterior is modest, to say the least.
It’s a simple, terracotta-colored building with a black trim and a small porch-like overhang at the entrance.
But don’t let its unassuming facade fool you.
This place is like a magic trick – the real wonder is on the inside.
Step through those doors, and you’re immediately enveloped in the warm, smoky aroma of barbecue heaven.
It’s like being hugged by a friendly, meaty cloud. If clouds wore aprons and wielded spatulas, that is.
The interior is a charming blend of rustic and modern.
Corrugated metal lines the lower half of the walls, giving it that authentic smokehouse feel.
There’s even an old wagon wheel propped up against one wall, because nothing says “we mean business” quite like a random piece of 19th-century farm equipment.
The seating is simple but comfortable – wooden tables and chairs that look like they could tell a tale or two about the barbecue feasts they’ve witnessed.
And let’s not forget the menu board.
Oh, that glorious menu board.
It’s like a roadmap to flavor town, with each item promising a new adventure for your taste buds.
But we’re not here just to admire the decor, are we?
No, sir.
We’re here for the food.
And boy, does Hickory River Smokehouse deliver on that front.
Let’s start with their claim to fame – the turkey sandwich.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Turkey? In a barbecue joint? That’s like ordering a salad at a steakhouse!”
But trust me, this isn’t your grandma’s Thanksgiving leftover sandwich.
This is a whole new ballgame.
The turkey is smoked to perfection, tender and juicy in a way that defies logic.
It’s like they’ve discovered some secret turkey-smoking technique that the rest of the world isn’t privy to.
Each bite is a symphony of flavors – smoky, savory, with just a hint of sweetness.
It’s enough to make you forget about every dry, bland turkey sandwich you’ve ever had.
And let’s talk about the bread for a moment.
It’s not just a vehicle for the meat – it’s a crucial part of the experience.
Soft yet sturdy, it cradles the turkey like a mother cradling her newborn.
Except in this case, the newborn is delicious and socially acceptable to eat.
But Hickory River Smokehouse isn’t a one-trick pony.
Oh no, they’ve got a whole stable of flavor stallions ready to race across your palate.
Take their pulled pork, for instance.
It’s so tender, it practically pulls itself.
You could probably eat it with a spoon if you were so inclined.
Not that I’m recommending that.
Use a fork like a civilized person, please.
And don’t even get me started on their brisket.
It’s the kind of brisket that makes you want to write poetry.
Smoky sonnets. Barbecue ballads. Meaty metaphors. It’s that good.
The ribs?
Oh, the ribs.
They’re so fall-off-the-bone tender you’ll wonder if they used some sort of meat sorcery.
I half expected to see a wizard in the kitchen, waving a smoker wand over the meat.
But it’s not just about the meat here.
No, sir. Hickory River Smokehouse knows that a great barbecue meal is a symphony, and every instrument needs to play its part.
Their sides are like the backup singers to the meat’s lead vocalist – they might not be the star of the show, but without them, the performance just wouldn’t be the same.
Take their mac and cheese, for example.
It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, it’s everything you want in a mac and cheese.
It’s the kind of mac and cheese that makes you want to build a time machine just so you can go back and eat it again for the first time.
And don’t even get me started on their baked beans.
They’re sweet, they’re savory, they’re… well, they’re beans.
But they’re beans that have achieved their full bean potential.
They’re like the Navy SEALs of the bean world – elite, highly trained, and ready to take on any flavor mission.
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But wait, there’s more!
Their coleslaw is a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to all that rich, smoky meat.
It’s like a palate cleanser, but one that you actually want to eat.
It’s the Switzerland of side dishes – neutral, but in the best possible way.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“This all sounds great, but what about the sauce?”
Well, my sauce-loving friend, you’re in for a treat.
Hickory River Smokehouse doesn’t just have one sauce.
Oh no, that would be too simple. They’ve got a whole array of sauces, each one a unique flavor adventure.
There’s the classic BBQ sauce, of course.
It’s tangy, it’s sweet, it’s everything you want in a BBQ sauce.
But then there’s the spicy sauce for those who like a little kick with their ‘cue.
It’s not blow-your-head-off spicy, but it’s got enough heat to make things interesting.
And for those who like to walk on the wild side, there’s the mustard-based sauce.
It’s a little tangy, a little sweet, and a whole lot of delicious.
It’s the kind of sauce that makes you question everything you thought you knew about barbecue sauce.
But here’s the real kicker – you don’t even need the sauce.
The meat is so flavorful on its own that the sauce is just a bonus.
It’s like putting ketchup on a perfectly cooked steak.
You can do it, but why would you want to?
The staff at Hickory River Smokehouse are friendlier than a golden retriever at a tennis ball factory.
They’re always ready with a smile and a recommendation, and they seem genuinely excited about the food they’re serving.
As for the prices?
Let’s just say you won’t need to take out a second mortgage to enjoy a meal here.
It’s not fast food cheap, but for the quality and quantity of food you’re getting, it’s an absolute steal.
But perhaps the best thing about Hickory River Smokehouse isn’t the food, or the atmosphere, or even the prices.
It’s the sense of community.
This is the kind of place where regulars are greeted by name, where the staff remembers your usual order, where you can strike up a conversation with the person at the next table about the merits of different BBQ techniques.
It’s like Cheers but with more sauce stains on the napkins.
And let’s not forget about the desserts.
Because after all that savory goodness, you’re going to need something sweet to balance it out.
Their peach cobbler is like a warm hug for your taste buds.
It’s sweet, it’s comforting, it’s everything you want in a dessert.
And if you’re feeling really indulgent, try their banana pudding.
It’s so good, it’ll make you forget about every other banana pudding you’ve ever had.
It’s like they’ve distilled the essence of happiness and put it in a bowl.
So, there you have it, folks.
Hickory River Smokehouse – the unassuming barbecue joint that’s serving up some of the best smoked meats this side of the Mississippi.
It’s the kind of place that makes you proud to be from Ohio.
Or makes you wish you were from Ohio, if you’re not.
It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best things come in unassuming packages.
That sometimes, a simple turkey sandwich can be a culinary revelation.
That sometimes, all you need for a perfect meal is some good food, good company, and a healthy disregard for your cholesterol levels.
So the next time you find yourself in Tipp City, do yourself a favor and stop by Hickory River Smokehouse.
Order that turkey sandwich.
Try the brisket.
Dive into those sides.
And prepare to have your barbecue world turned upside down.
Just don’t blame me when you find yourself making regular pilgrimages to Tipp City for your barbecue fix.
Don’t forget to check out Hickory River Smokehouse’s website and Facebook page for more mouth-watering details and updates.
And use this map to navigate your way to barbecue bliss – your taste buds will thank you.
Where: 135 S Garber Dr, Tipp City, OH 45371
In the end, Hickory River Smokehouse isn’t just a restaurant.
It’s a flavor adventure, a culinary journey, a smoky paradise in the heart of Ohio.
Your move, barbecue lovers.